We want everyone to access a range of tools and equipment for DIY projects, home improvement, gardening and for helping with hobbies and interests. Borrowing from the library will save you money on tools you rarely use or are too expensive and save you space! If you no longer use tools, donating to the library will support the sharing economy. We want to build a sense of community around the project and are looking for people to volunteer time, share skills and contribute ideas. The funding will pay for administration and storage, to manage volunteers and to build community awareness. We have already been donated some tools but will also use the money to buy further items on the public wish-list. Borrowers will have to pay a small annual membership and a minimal cost per loan but we aim to keep these as low as possible, and offer concession rates and a pay-it-forward facility, Every donation over £20 will earn a year’s membership and you can rent your first item for free!

What we'll deliver:

• A library space for people to come along and borrow tools and equipment
• An online booking and reservation system
• A comprehensive store of tools and equipment for common use
• A community space to get involved in helping out with repair sessions and skills share

Why it's a great idea:

We will enable people to access tools they need within their budget to fix and repair items, enjoy hobbies and pastimes, and hold family and community events, including specialist tools and expensive equipment. We will liberate many unused tools for community use preventing items ending up wasted or in landfill and storage space for donors. We will reduce the needless individual purchases of items which people rarely use and encourage sharing, saving natural resources, reducing CO2 of manufacture and transport. We will arrange opportunities for community learning of new skills and sharing with others. strengthening relationships and community bonds. We plan to collaborate with local repairers, to fix tools and PAT test electrical items. We will support community organisations to have access to SLoTh and to promote to their users.

Steps to get it done:

• Engaging the community about the project and tool needs
• Setting up the website, database and library space
• Assessing tool needs, purchasing and maintaining of donated items
• Launching the Library on social media, press and community spaces

We have done research and gathered feedback from individuals and local community groups. We’ve visited and met the two county Libraries, and others outside the county. We have support from our local Town, District and County councils. The county waste team is particularly engaged, working with us in promoting the scheme and helping us collect rentable items from the waste stream, and recycling end of life items in the best manner. Our online survey attracted over 200 responses, with 100% backing - more than half offered items and asked about volunteer opportunities. We have spoken to leaders at the local network of community hubs and other community providers. Some have already pledged funding, and we will be working with them to ensure people can access and be involved with the project, from helping select library items , arranging drop off and collection points, and helping set the membership and rental cost points, which will help fund the continuing viability. .